Holiday home Zonnedorp 6, "Happy" Renesse || Zeeland

Renesse is one of the oldest seaside resorts of Zeeland, after Domburg. When tourism started growing rapidly from 1900 onwards, local entrepreneurs responded to that cleverly. On a small scale, arrangements were made for the tourists. One example of this was the opening of the first “verversingstent” (refreshment tent), the predecessor of the present beach pavilions. In the verversingstent people could, for example, hire bathing suits.

Renesse is situated in the north of the island Schouwen-Duiveland. Because of this perfect location, it is still increasingly popular. Today, the village and its surrounding area, offer entertainment for both young and old such as beach pavilions, terraces, shops and night life facilities.

Off the coast, there are broad sandbanks on which you can see the seals sunbathing. The vast North Sea coast is perhaps at its most beautiful near Renesse. The sand beach here is almost 20 kilometres long and hundreds of metres wide near the so-called “Verklikkerduinen”. This dune area is characterised by wet dune valleys with many sorts of colourful and fragrant dune plants. There is a large rabbit population here and the area is also a popular breeding ground for many birds.

Several walking trails in the immediate vicinity of Renesse lead you through the beautiful landscape, through herds of wild Shetland ponies and Scottish Highland cattle. In Westerschouwen this area merges into the biggest forest of Zeeland: the “Domeinen”. Along the same coastal route, you can also find one of the most beautiful mountain bike routes of the country. The area of Renesse is perfect for long cycling trips through a landscape which there are not many left today. The many country roads take you past characteristic villages and offer you safe cycling routes.

Two of the best-known sights in Renesse are the Gothic “Jacobuskerk”, which you can find in the old town centre, and “Slot Moermond” which dates to the 13th century. The castle stands in the middle of the 45-hectares natural area “Landgoed Moermond” and is only used for parties and celebrations. Unfortunately, it cannot be visited.

North of Renesse is the Grevelingenmeer with the Brouwersdam and its many facilities for water sports activities. The Grevelingenmeer, for example, is a special diving hotspot and the Brouwersdam is a popular place for surfing because of its good location. Upon leaving Renesse in the south, you will reach the world-famous Delta Works with the impressive Oosterscheldekering. This storm flood surge connects the island Schouwen-Duiveland with the island Neeltje Jans, where you can visit the family water park of the same name.

Renesse has a large supermarket, a pharmacy, a bakery, a bike rental shop, and a large variety of shops, restaurants and terraces. For young people, there are plenty of entertainment opportunities. On the outskirts of the village is the “Transferium” where you can park your car for free and during peak season you can make use of free public transport from here to the beaches, the town centre and the camping sites.

Also worth a visit are the old Dutch towns Zierikzee, Veere and Middelburg or the other well-known seaside resort: Domburg.

For more information about Renesse and its surrounding area, we would like to refer you to the local tourist office.